REACTION: UN Security Council resolution vote on immediate Gaza ceasefire

Responding to the UN Security Council resolution vote for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, Aleema Shivji, Oxfam's interim Chief Executive said:

“We welcome the Security Council’s adoption of a ceasefire resolution so Palestinians in Gaza can have much-needed respite from the relentless and devastating Israeli violence and critical aid can reach them. However, this resolution, while a step in the right direction, falls short of the permanent ceasefire which is truly required and comes too late for over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza that have been killed, and thousands more unaccounted for, while the Security Council wrung its hands over semantics.

“For nearly six months, the rest of the international community has repeatedly called for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of unrestricted aid into Gaza. It is long overdue for UN Security Council Member States to finally heed these calls with the moral leadership that is rightfully expected of them and to stop the killing and suffering in Gaza.

“Now this resolution has passed, it is imperative for Member States to fulfil their obligations and ensure that it’s implemented, so that Palestinians never endure such violence again. This includes the UK Government immediately halting arms sales to Israel.

“A mere two-week pause is not enough. This initial cessation in violence must lead to a permanent ceasefire that lasts and sustainable peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike; so people in Gaza can mourn their loved ones and begin the long road of recovery and reconstruction.”